Agroforestry Species Research Articles

Effects of different developmental stages of the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) on argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) edible oil and methanolic extracts, and development of eco-friendly control methods based on plant callus oils.

Argan (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) is an endangered agroforestry species known for producing one of most expensive and sought-after oils in the world. Argan forests are a suitable habitat for medfly (Ceratitis capitata). To our knowledge, no study has investigated the potential effect of medfly on the quality of argan oils and extracts. The use of callus-derived oils from cactus (Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill.) and moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) as an eco-friendly approach to control medfly has never been explored. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of medfly at different developmental stages (i.e., egg, larva and pupa) on methanolic extracts and edible oil from unripe (i.e., green) and ripe (i.e., yellow) argan fruits, and to investigate the efficiency of cactus and moringa callus oils in controlling this pest. The antioxidant activity and reducing capacity varied depending on plant material, fruit maturity and medfly developmental stage. The highest antioxidant activity (98.48%) and reducing capacity (14.49mg GAE.g-1 DM) of methanolic extracts were obtained from green fruit pulps and green fruit kernels, respectively, during pupa medfly infestation. The highest antioxidant activity (97.72%) and reducing capacity (205.35μg GAE.g-1) of argan edible oil were obtained during larva medfly infestation. Egg infestation has the most negative impact on reducing capacity with 5.11μg GAE.g-1 of edible oil compared to relative control (19.17μg GAE.g-1 edible oil). Argan edible oils were rich in unsaturated fatty acids (79.95-80.34%) regardless of medfly developmental stage. Oleic (41.77-44.27%) and linoleic (35.49-37.65%) acids were the dominant fatty acids in all samples. Cactus callus-derived oils were more lethal to medfly (up to 100% mortality) than moringa oils (up to 74.66% mortality). 1,54-Dibromotetrapentacontane, 1,3,2-Dioxaborolane, 2,4-diethyl and 6-Hydroxy-hexan-2-one were the major bioactive components detected in cactus callus oil while (E)-9-Octadecenoic acid, ethyl ester and cis-Vaccenic acid were the predominant compounds in moringa callus oil.

Trial on the Production and Use of Compost Made from Pterygota bequaertii Crushed Material and Terminalia ivorensis a Chev Crushed Material for the Production of Gmelina arborea Seedlings : A Study from Daloa, Central Western Côte d'Ivoire

The over-exploitation of natural resources in the semi-deciduous forests of the Côte d'Ivoire forest zone has led to the degradation of the vegetation cover. This has reduced the ecological continuity of the semi-deciduous forest biomes in the forest zone. To restore these ecosystems, plantations of agroforestry species are recommended. However, nursery production of these types of trees using seed or vegetative propagation techniques faces a number of problems, such as the use of substrates with unfavourable physico-chemical properties and often contaminated with pathogens. This article presents the results of a trial conducted at the UJLOG experimental plot in Daloa to produce and evaluate the agronomic characteristics of compost made from Pterygota bequaertii and Terminalia Ivorensis A Chev for the production of Gmelina arborea seedlings. To this end, after the compost was made, four compost-based substrates and a forest humus-based control were prepared, characterised from a physical and chemical point of view and tested in the nursery. Seedling growth and root regeneration capacity measured in the nursery, as well as recovery after planting, were the parameters used to judge the quality of the seedlings and the effect of the compost. The results show that pterygota bequaertii and Terminalia Ivorensis A Chev have good composting properties, and their compost can be easily produced with or without a stimulator. The behaviour of the plants in the five substrates also showed that significant qualitative improvements were recorded in the plants reared in the compost-based substrates compared with the control plants. The results obtained show that the constituent elements of the substrates (droppings, bursa, carbonised sawdust) combined with pterygota bequaertii grindings and Terminalia Ivorensis A Chev grindings, depending on how they are prepared, have a significant effect on the physico-chemical parameters recorded (pH, total porosity, aeration and retention porosity, electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.); electrical conductivity, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), and consequently, on germination (germination percentage) and vegetative behaviour (height, diameter, number of leaves and robustness ratio), as well as a better root regeneration capacity and a better recovery of the Gmelina arborea plants in the field compared with the control plants (forest compost). It is therefore possible to improve the quality of Gmelina arborea seedlings by using pterygota bequaertii compost and Terminalia Ivorensis A Chev as a growing medium instead of forest compost.

Analysis of Associated Woody and Semi-Woody Local Wild Species in Entre Ríos, Argentina: Exploring the Agricultural Potential of Hexachlamys edulis

The loss of native forests in Argentina has been a concern, driven by factors such as agriculture expansion and urbanization. Therefore, understanding the conservation status of sampled populations and their adaptation to different plant communities is essential. This research focused on the heterogeneity analysis of the associated woody and semi-woody vegetation to Hexachlamys edulis (O. Berg) Kausel and D. Legrand, a species commonly known as “ubajay” in Entre Ríos, Argentina. The study aimed to record the species present in the populations, explore plant communities associated with H. edulis, identify other potentially useful agroforestry species, compare locations based on the similarity of accompanying species, and explain the conservation status of each population. Results revealed a total of 71 species belonging to 39 families. The Myrtaceae family was the most relevant, particularly in terms of native species representation. The analysis of biodiversity indicators, including richness, the Shannon index, and dominance revealed variations among the studied sites. The anthropic indicator highlighted the impact of human activity, with Concordia showing a higher ratio of native-to-exotic species. Cluster analysis and ordination techniques revealed groupings of censuses from the same localities, indicating differences in vegetation composition between sites. Significant differences in species composition were found among the sampled populations. Overall, the study can serve as baseline information for future research on the dynamics of vegetation in these areas and on the studied H. edulis species. Finally, these findings contribute to understanding how wild species like H. edulis adapt to different plant communities, which might be valuable for developing new agroecological approaches or identifying potential companion planting species in future agricultural systems.

Synergistic and Antagonistic Effects of Mixed-Leaf Litter Decomposition on Nutrient Cycling.

Understanding decomposition patterns of mixed-leaf litter from agroforestry species is crucial, as leaf litter in ecosystems naturally occurs as mixtures rather than as separate individual species. We hypothesized that litter mixtures with larger trait divergence would lead to faster mass loss and more balanced nutrient release compared to single-species litter. Specifically, we expected mixtures containing nutrient-rich species to exhibit synergistic effects, resulting in faster decay rates and sustained nutrient release, while mixtures with nutrient-poor species would demonstrate antagonistic effects, slowing decomposition. We conducted a mesocosm experiment using a custom wooden setup filled with soil, and the litterbag method was used to test various leaf litter mixtures. The study involved leaf litter from six agroforestry tree species: three species from humid highland regions and three from semi-arid regions. Treatments included three single-species leaf litter mixtures, three two-species mixtures, and one three-species mixture, based on the sampling region. Species included Calliandra calothyrsus (Ca), Croton megalocarpus (Cr), Grevillea robusta (G), Alnus acuminata (A), Markhamia lutea (M), and Eucalyptus globulus (E). Decay rate constants (k) were estimated using non-linear least-squares regression and observed mass loss was compared to predicted values for mixed-species litter treatments to assess synergistic and antagonistic effects. A two-way linear mixed-effects model was employed to explain variation in mass loss. Results indicate positive non-additive effects for leaf litter mixtures including nutrient-rich species and negative non-additive effects for mixtures including nutrient-poor species. The mixture of Ca + Cr + G had positive non-additive or synergistic effects as it decomposed faster than its corresponding single-species litter. Leaf litters with higher lignin content, such as A + M + E and Ca + Cr + G, exhibited less lignin release compared to what would be expected based on individual litter types, demonstrating antagonistic effects. These findings highlight that both litter nutrient constituents and litter diversity play an important role in decomposition processes and therefore in the restoration of the degraded and nutrient-depleted soils of Rwanda.

Planning eco-sensitive zones for promoting tree diversity and ecosystem services in urban academic landscapes: a case study from the North-western Indo-Gangetic plain

ABSTRACT Urban academic greenspaces provide a protective environment for the conservation of plants and animals and ecological health benefits to human beings. Several anthropogenic activities and landscape practices lead to patches of natural and built-up areas; therefore, a better understanding of campus tree diversity and ecosystem services among natural and built-up areas may help in biodiversity management. Considering this, we assessed how landscape heterogenicity (i.e. the proportion of natural and built-up/paved surface area) and planning principles influence tree density and diversity patterns in three zones (buffer zone: natural/remnant woodland; transition zone: mixed open grassland and woody plantation; core zone: paved/built-up, grassland, and scattered woody plantation) in the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Mohali campus (Punjab) India. We found a total of 1,993 trees belonging to sixty-eight species, mostly native flora. We found that landscape planning principles significantly influenced tree diversity patterns, with the highest tree diversity in the B3 buffer zone (H: 2.9, PIE: 0.9), which integrated elements of the original landscape and new plantations to optimise ecological value and the lowest diversity in the B2 buffer zone (i.e. H: 0.4; PIE: 0.2) with a monoculture plantation of exotic agroforestry species. We also observed that tree density was negatively influenced by impervious surface area (r = -0.68, p < 0.05) in the core zones and by the plantation of exotic species in the natural areas. The campus diversity supports birds of different feeding guilds (insectivore: 41%, omnivore: 25%, carnivore: 25%, frugivore/nectarivore: 13%, graminivore: 4%, and piscivore: 2%). Additionally, academic buildings planned with high canopy cover and density (45% and 95 ha−1) had reduced the wall temperatures of academic buildings from 12°C to 6°C compared to neighbouring buildings without tree cover. This highlighted the importance of maintaining tree diversity in urban academic institutions to promote urban sustainability.

Effects of Inoculating Symbiotic Microorganisms on Acacia mangium Grown on Coconut Fiber

The ability of Acacia mangium to grow on degraded soils, thanks to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, makes it a very important species in agroforestry and in the restoration of impoverished soils. However, all the experiments on Acacia mangium, whether inoculated or not, have only been carried out on a single type of substrate, i.e. soil. The aim was to determine whether inoculation significantly increased the biomass and height growth of Acacia mangium grown on coconut fiber. The experimental design comprised 5 treatments (Ta, T, M, R, and MR) with 5 replicates. Characterizing the coconut fiber and the dry biomass of Acacia mangium above ground and roots consisted of determining the content of elements such as P, K, Ca, Mg, and N. The number of nodules was also counted The results showed that inoculation (M, R and, MR) had no significant effect on the height growth and biomass of Acacia mangium. Non-inoculated (Ta and T) plants showed greater growth, probably due to the richness of nutrients (N, P) in the coconut fiber. The presence of nodules in the non-inoculated plants indicates the presence of indigenous strains in the coconut fiber. Double inoculation (mycorrhizae/rhizobia) significantly stimulated the growth and nodulation of Acacia mangium. Double inoculation also increased substrate fertility, which had a positive effect on plant growth. The Glomus-Bradyrhizobium combination appeared to be the most effective in improving the growth and nodulation of Acacia mangium.

Multiplication and development in the nursery of Pterocarpus erinaceus, an endangered agroforestry species in Cote d'Ivoire

Pterocarpus erinaceus is a multi-purpose species threatened with extinction. The present study aims to contribute to the improvement of multiplication and nursery growth of Pterocarpus erinaceus hulled seeds. To this end, four pre-treatments were applied to Pterocarpus erinaceus hulled seeds to lift their dormancy in order to facilitate germination of the species. These were: untreated seeds as Control (To), soaking in ordinary water for 24 h (T1), soaking in hot water at 60°C (T2) and soaking in sulfuric acid (H2SO4) for 20 min (T3). Germination parameters such as germination rate, germination time and average germination time were evaluated. Growth in height, diameter, number of leaves and root length were determined. Germination data and growth parameters were collected. Analyses showed that soaking shelled seeds in ordinary water for 24 h was the best treatment, with a germination rate of 43%. Pre-treatment of the seeds with sulfuric acid for 20 min showed the lowest germination rate (1%), due to the sensitivity of the seeds. Furthermore, these pre-treatments had no effect on seedling growth in the nursery. Those interested in producing Pterocarpus erinaceus seedlings are advised to soak shelled seeds in ordinary water for 24 hours to ensure better germination in the nursery.

Plant Agrobiodiversity, Agricultural and Phytosanitary Practices of Market Garden Crops in the Centre‐East Region of Burkina Faso

ABSTRACTIntroductionIn West Africa, market gardeners use various agricultural practices to increase yields. However, many of these practices do not comply with agroecological standards and cause intoxication, pollution, soil degradation and biodiversity loss. This study characterizes the plant agrobiodiversity of market garden crops grown during the rainy season and the agricultural and phytosanitary practices used for their management.Materials and MethodsThe study was carried out in Burkina Faso. Plant agrobiodiversity was assessed in 100 market gardens. Agricultural and phytosanitary practices were characterized using semi‐structured interviews. A Sankey diagram was used to highlight the relationships among market garden crops, bioaggressors and diseases. Principal component analyses were applied to highlight the agricultural and phytosanitary practices used.ResultsThe results revealed rich agrobiodiversity, including 16 market garden crops, 15 local agroforestry species, 17 planted species and 37 weed species. The main market garden crops grown in the rainy season were cabbage (20.30%), lettuce (16.62%), tomato (11.69%), and amaranth (10.15%). The most frequent agroforestry species were Azadirachta indica (18.20%) and Mangifera indica (15.03%). The most common weeds were Eleusine indica (11.02%) and Cyperus reduncus (9.70%). Eleven pests were identified, and the most frequently recorded were caterpillars (39.06%). Sixteen diseases were reported, the most common being leaf yellowing (15.67%) and leaf wilt (11.67%). Numerous market gardeners use mineral fertilizers such as Yaramila (NPK 23‐10‐5), NPK (14‐23‐14), urea (46.00% nitrogen), and liquid fertilizer as well as compost and organic manure. The most common agricultural practice was crop rotation (79.00%). To protect crops, 89.00% of producers used synthetic chemical pesticides in an uncontrolled manner, most of which are purchased on the local market. Only 11.00% of the market gardeners practiced the natural phytosanitary treatments.ConclusionThis study provides important information that can be used for the sustainable management of market gardens. Agroecological standards should be popularized to ensure food security for market garden crops.

Soil Physical and Chemical Properties under Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) at Different Stages of Growth

Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), is one of the dominant agro-forestry species in Otuke district of Northern Uganda. Due to its economic importance and, in line with the numerous threats the tree is faced with, there is an urgent need for measures to conserve this species, for example, through incorporating annual food crops in the Shea tree parkland. This, however, requires a better understanding of tree-soil-food crop interactions. A number of studies of this aspect either considered only the mature Shea tree gardens or did not provide a clear distinction between the physiological states of the Shea tree. This was the motivation for this study where we compare variation in soil properties under mature and young Shea tree gardens with sites not having trees in Okwang sub-county, Otuke district. Five soil samples (up to 15 cm deep for top soil and 15-30 cm for sub-soil) were obtained per treatment using a soil auger. Our results show that in the top soil, only percent sand varied among the treatments, while, in the sub-soil, only percentage nitrogen and average phosphorus varied among the treatments. We also found that percentage top soil organic matter and percentage of sub-soil sand had negative strong correlations with maize and soybean yields, while percentage sub-soil clay had a strong positive correlation with maize and soybean yield. We conclude that variations in soil physical and chemical properties under Mature and Young Shea gardens only occur for those properties that have a direct link to tree residues

Dynamics in bush cover, local uses of encroaching woody plants and their preferences by foraging livestock in semi-arid rangeland in northern Tanzania

Bush cover is high in some semi-arid African grasslands, and these woody plants have various socio-cultural uses and potential as livestock feed resources. The current study was conducted in northern Tanzania to investigate the changes in bushland cover, identify general uses of woody plants by agro-pastoral farmers, determine livestock preferences, and the nutritional values of selected plants. We determined bush cover changes from 2000 to 2022 by Google Earth Engine using the Random Forest algorithm during land cover classification. Livestock observation and participatory rural appraisal were used to sample woody plants foraged by livestock. Farmers named woody plants in a local language, listed their uses and ranked them as livestock feed. Farmer-preferred plants were analysed for nutritional values and screened for preference using goats. Bush cover had increased by 6.9–90.2% at 0.6–4.5% per year in the studied area, where 32 woody plant species were ranked and had other socio-cultural uses. These uses were medicine (78%), firewood (59%), a food source (31%) and construction (28%), with Grewia bicolor and Cordia sinensis possessing many of the uses. Farmers ranked woody plants highly as the feed if they were available all year round, readily eaten by livestock (palatable) and led to high performance. The coefficient of preference (COP) varied (p < 0.001) among goats fed the selected plants. Grewia similis (COP = 1.8) and Haplocoelum foliolosum (COP = 1.7) were highly preferred, while Combretum campestris and C. sinensis were the least preferred. There were differences in nutritional values among key woody plants, and G. similis had the highest digestibility (59%), making it a suitable species for agroforestry. Encroaching non-invasive woody plants can be used as livestock feed or serve other socio-cultural uses; their control should be informed by participatory appraisal involving locals in semi-arid areas.

Toxicity evaluation of imidacloprid 17.8% SL against poplar defoliator Clostera cupreata (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae)

Poplar (P. deltoides) is a major agroforestry species that plays a significant role in the socio-economic development of farmers in Northwestern India. The poplar leaf defoliator, Clostera cupreata, is a major insect pest of poplar, occurring in serious proportions and causing significant growth loss to the trees. In pursuit of chemical management for the poplar defoliator, Imidacloprid 17.8% SL was evaluated for its median lethal toxicity (LC50) against C. cupreata. The LC50 was calculated as 0.0017% at 72 hours after treatment (HAT) against third instar C. cupreata larvae under laboratory conditions. The screening process for the toxicity of Imidacloprid against C. cupreata may provide a crucial step for the development of novel insecticides for managing forestry insect pests.

Improving the precision of estimating carbon sequestration potential in four tree and shrub agroforestry species through the comparison of general and specific allometric equations in Côte d’Ivoire

Improving the precision of estimating carbon sequestration potential in four tree and shrub agroforestry species through the comparison of general and specific allometric equations in Côte d’Ivoire

Characterization of Several Pellets from Agroforestry Residues: A Comparative Analysis of Physical and Energy Efficiency

The use of agroforestry biomass provides several advantages, both from an environmental point of view, in terms of the mitigation of global warming, and in terms of a circular economy for agricultural or agroforestry companies that reuse pruning residues as a source of energy. However, even if the use of energy pellets resulting from the pruning residues of various agroforestry species has excellent potential for the valorization of agricultural by-products, the physicochemical characteristics of these pellets have been scarcely studied by the scientific community. In this context, this study aims to assess the valorization potential of various lignocellulosic material residues produced during agroforestry activities. The objectives of the study include evaluating the chemical and physical characteristics of pellets produced with different mixtures of agroforestry biomass (olive, citrus, black locust, poplar, paulownia, etc.) in order to determine the optimal pellet blend from an energy and physicochemical perspective. The results of this study demonstrate that this comprehensive analysis provides valuable information on the optimization of biomass mixtures for better energy valorization, addressing both compositional and combustion-related challenges. In fact, it is observed that the addition of citrus and olive biomass to the various mixtures increases their energy potential. Furthermore, all of the pellets analyzed are found to possess an adequate and useful durability index (PDI) for their handling during storage and transport operations. This study demonstrates that olive and citrus pruning residues can be used to improve biomasses that have poor suitability in energetic, physical, and chemical terms. Further studies could be useful to understand which specific interaction mechanisms have an influence on emissions in order to optimize mixtures using different biomass sources for sustainable energy production.

Impact of allelochemicals from shade trees bark on the performance of cocoa seedlings

AbstractShade trees are important in cocoa agroforestry systems; however, they release allelochemicals from various parts that affect understory plants. Unfortunately, information on allelochemicals produced by shade tree bark in cocoa plantation remain scarce. This study investigates the effect of allelochemicals from bark of shade trees on cocoa seedlings growth. The experiment was a 4 × 11 factorial study, and the treatments were four different concentrations from each of the 11 tree species. The treatments were laid out in a completely randomized design with four replicates. Data were collected at 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 days after treatment applications. The tree species alone and bark extract concentrations alone significantly impacted plant height from 90 to 150 days after application. Albizia ferruginea (Guill. &amp; Perr.) Benth, Celtis mildbraedii Engl., and Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum produced the highest cocoa seedling heights. All concentrations also influenced stem diameter of cocoa seedlings. Albizia ferruginea enhanced stem diameter significantly among tree species and the control. Tree species and bark extract concentrations interacted to increase fresh root weights and dry plant biomass. Albizia ferruginea consistently increased dry plant biomass, while C. mildbraedii produced the highest enhancement for fresh roots. All concentrations enhanced plant biomass, with the 75 mg mL−1 concentration consistently producing the highest plant fresh and dry weights. Albizia ferruginea and C. mildbraedii can be potential tree species in the cocoa agroforestry when 2‐month‐old cocoa seedlings are to be transplanted on the field. Bark extract of 75 mg mL−1 concentration can be used as a growth stimulant on cocoa seedlings.

Diversity and composition of agroforestry species in two agro-ecological zones of Rwanda

This study delves into the diversity and composition of agroforestry species in Rwanda's Eastern Plateau and Eastern Savannah agro-ecological zones. Examining these systems across diverse landscapes is crucial for selecting species adapted to local conditions. We surveyed four landscapes with varying tree cover levels, using stratified random sampling to allocate 240 plots for detailed field inventory. We analyzed dendrometric characteristics of woody vegetation, focusing on plants with ≥ 4 cm diameter at breast height (DBH). Exotic tree species comprised over 75% of trees across all landscapes. Diversity indices indicated significant differences in plant communities between the Eastern Savannah and Eastern Plateau, with higher diversity in the former. Sørensen's similarity coefficient for woody species between the two regions showed a moderate level of similarity (approximately 53%). However, there was a significant difference in the equitability of on-farm tree species between the zones, suggesting non-identical distribution patterns. The most common and dominant tree species were Grevillea robusta, Mangifera indica, and Persea americana, primarily used for timber and fruit production. Most encountered trees were small and scattered, with nearly 80% having a DBH below 20 cm, highlighting the prevalence of young trees. The dominance of exotic species emphasizes the need for further research on their impact on agricultural biodiversity, informing sustainable land management practices in Rwanda and similar contexts.

Gender and endogenous knowledge inclusion for agroforestry systems improvement in Benin, West Africa

In West Africa, and Benin particularly, local forest resources can potentially contribute to both increasing and stabilizing soil productivity. However, these resources continue to be neglected with efforts instead concentrated on promoting exotic species. This study aimed to prioritize local agroforestry species on agricultural landscape by investigating the gendered, socio-demographic and agro-pedological factors of local knowledge and use of agroforestry species amongst small-holder farmers in Benin. An agroforestry inventory combined with an ethno-agroforestry survey was conducted on 364 farms with 364 farmers. A cluster analysis based on farmers' socio-demographic and agroecological factors was used to cluster farmers into two homogeneous agroforestry systems. Median score, species diversity and ecological networks were established for these two systems. Results illustrate that gendered difference exist between the priority that farmers give to multi-purpose species and this prioritization depends on priority ecosystem services for farmers and gender. Therefore, it would be useful first to consider gender and specific needs of each category of farmer to optimize the choice of agroforestry species to be promoted in such systems. The successful introduction of identified species through extension programs requires more advanced research related to the real contribution of these species to farmland fertilization, as well as the nutrient transmission pathways to associated crops in an agroforestry system to address simultaneously specific ecological, economic and socio-cultural sustainability criteria, as well as improved crop production.

The Impacts of Planting Patterns Combined with Irrigation Management Practices on Watermelon Growth, Photosynthesis, and Yield.

(1) Background: Crop yields in China's arid and semi-arid regions are limited by water shortages. Exploring the interactions and resource utilization among agroforestry species is key to maintaining diversified agricultural production. (2) Objective: An apple-watermelon agroforestry system and watermelon sole-cropping system were compared to quantify how resource availability (light, water) and watermelon performance (leaf photosynthetic rate, growth, and yield) change with irrigation strategies. (3) Methods: A three-year apple and watermelon field experiment was conducted in a young apple orchard in the arid area of central Ningxia to test the effect of light competition and irrigation systems on light environment, leaf photosynthetic rate, plant growth, and yield in watermelon. The experiment encompassed two planting patterns: (i) apple-watermelon agroforestry (AF) and watermelon sole-cropping (SC) and (ii) three irrigation quotas (W1: 105 mm, W2: 210 mm, and W3: 315 mm). (4) Results: The results show that the agroforestry planting pattern extended the growth period of watermelon and increased the leaf area index. Mean daily shade intensity increased by 16.02% from 2020 to 2022. The land equivalent ratio (LER) was >1 in 2021 and 2022. The SWC, leaf photosynthetic rate, LAI, and yield of watermelon in an agroforestry planting pattern were lower than when in a sole-cropping planting pattern. However, under the W1 irrigation strategy, the total soluble solids of the agroforestry planting pattern were 2.27% higher than those of the sole-cropping pattern, and the yield of the agroforestry planting pattern was 2.59% higher than that of the sole-cropping pattern. Under the W3 irrigation strategy, the average watermelon weight in the agroforestry planting pattern was 2.85% higher than that of the sole-cropping pattern. A path analysis showed that the agroforestry planting pattern can increase the yield by increasing soil water content, which is different from the sole-cropping pattern. (5) Conclusions: The results confirm that the apple-watermelon agroforestry planting pattern reduced watermelon yields. However, the LER of the agroforestry system was greater than 1.0. It is reasonable to plant watermelons in young apple forests.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF TALAS BENENG (Xanthosoma undipes) AGROFORESTRY IN CIAMIS REGENCY, INDONESIA

Recently, the Indonesian government has sought to secure food production from forestlands by implementing agroforestry in rural areas. Talas beneng or tall elephant ear plant (Xanthosoma undipes) is a potential species for agroforestry that produces medicinal tubers and leaves. It has high productivity and export opportunities, but its management strategy under community forestland needs to be more widely studied. In Ciamis Regency, talas beneng has been cultivated for the last two years, but the progress has not been significant. This study aimed to formulate strategic management for improving its business model by identifying internal and external factors. Two groups of farmers in Ciamis Regency were chosen as the case study. Observation and in-depth interviews with farming group leaders as key informants were employed to gather the existing model business. Internal and external factors were analyzed using a business model canvas (BMC) framework, SWOT analysis and quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM). Results show that the market channels between the two groups of talas beneng producers are slightly different. SWOT analysis shows that both groups have positions in which product development and market penetration are required as strategies to improve future management. Specific strategies that need to be prioritized include 1) improving farming intensification, 2) improving talas beneng product competitiveness, and 3) expanding the business partnership to access market information better.

Strengthening Forest Landscape Restoration through Understanding Land Use Dynamics: Case Study of Tchamba Prefecture (Togo)

Land use and land cover (LULC) change remains a major concern in many countries. To examine how land is used for increased actions on forest landscape restoration (FLR) issues, this study analyses LULC changes from 1991 to 2022 and predict future patterns for the years 2050 in Tchamba Prefecture, Togo, using remote sensing and the Cellular Automata-Markov modelling technique. Results show that dense forests and gallery forests (18.85%), open forest/woodland (20.17%), and tree and shrub savannah (50.04%) were the predominant classes of the landscape in 1991. However, by 2022, most tree and shrub savannah had been converted to mosaic crop/fallow land (52.27%), open forest/woodland (19.32%), and plantation (7.09%). Thus, between 1991 and 2022, forest area decreased from 89.87% to 48.96%; a 45.52% reduction in coverage. Predictions are that open forest/woodland, tree and shrub savannah will decline, while mosaic crop/fallow land will increase (51.66%). However, slight increases were recorded in plantation (9.43%) and a slight balance in dense forests/gallery forests (16.17%). Consequently, forest area will slightly change between 2022 (48.96%) and 2050 (47.41%). These changes in LULC are associated to socio-economic pressures and political instability in the 1990s. So, the return to stability, the promotion of community forests as a key restoration model, and the valorisation of agroforestry species allows for the stabilisation of dense forests/gallery forests areas and an increase in plantation. Thus, it is therefore for all stakeholders involved in restoration processes to consider this information when planning FLR activities.

Ethnobotanical Study of Potential Food-Utilization of Shade and Undercover Vegetation in the Coffee Agroforestry Landscape, Kalibaru District, Banyuwangi Regency

Agroforestry is a cultivation system that integrates crops like coffee with various vegetation, as applied in the Kalibaru District. The local community utilizes an agroforestry system by combining shade and undercover plants that can be utilized as food. The objective of this study was to collect a diversity of edible vegetation and investigate the local utilization. Data was collected by vegetation analysis and ethnobotanical studies related to their use. The result showed that 22 species of shade plants and 22 species of undercover plants were edible. The highest use value of shade species in coffee agroforestry are Leucaena leucocephala, Musa paradisiaca, Syzygium aromaticum, Carica papaya, and Artocarpus heterophyllus. Meanwhile, the highest use values in undercover species are Capsicum frutescens, Manihot esculenta, Colocasia esculenta, and Maranta arundinacea. The highest index of cultural significance for shade species is shown in Carica papaya, Leucaena leucocephala, Parkia speciosa, and Musa paradisiaca. Meanwhile, the highest index of cultural significance for undercover species is C. frutescens, L. esculentum, P. amarylifolius, and C. longa. This area can support local food resources and serve as a means of cultural preservation.